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As of late, there have been various reports about the in-app browser on TikTok monitoring all keyboard input and screen taps. This may be concerning for some users. Why? Well, keylogging is a thing, and keylogging is a process in which one’s screen taps and keyboard inputs are logged. This, under the wrong hands, can be put to seriously nefarious use, and that’s why so many people are scared of it.
That being said, it’s important to understand what TikTok’s monitoring code actually means and how it may affect you. After all, TikTok isn’t some hacker out there looking to steal data. There must be a good reason for it, right?
Here are a couple of things to know about TikTok’s in-app browser monitoring:
1. It Was Built to Provide a Better Experience
TikTok’s in-app browser monitors all keyboard input and screen taps in order to provide a better user experience. This means that when you’re using the in-app browser, TikTok is able to track what you’re doing in order to provide more relevant content.
2. The Data Collected Remains Private
While this may be concerning for some users, it’s important to understand that this data is only used to improve the user experience and is not shared with any third party (so Tiktok claims). This, of course, is great news to those wanting to make sure that their data doesn’t go where they don’t want to go. TikTok has stated that it will never sell or share user data with any third party, and we sincerely hope this will stay.
3. It Doesn’t Occur in the App Itself
TikTok’s in-app browser monitoring only occurs when you’re using the in-app browser. This is important to note. Why? That’s because if you’re just using the TikTok app, the monitoring process doesn’t actually happen. Only when you’re using the in-app browser does it track your inputs and activity.
4. It Can Be Disabled
If you feel uncomfortable about the whole idea of being tracked, fear not. You can disable the in-app browser monitoring by going into your TikTok settings and turning it off (Fleksy suggests this option). It is as simple as that! Of course, if you don’t mind the tracking, then feel free to leave it on.
5. It Helps TikTok Debug and Troubleshoot
While many people may claim that TikTok’s keylogging code in their in-app browser is meant to take data, TikTok themselves claim otherwise (so they say). They’ve claimed that the code is just for debugging and troubleshooting purposes. It is also meant for performance monitoring to improve the experience, and the code does not collect keystrokes or text inputs. Fleksy suggests to keep an eye on the Privacy Policy updates carefully.
Conclusion
Overall, while the in-app browser monitoring may be concerning for Fleksy and some users, it’s important to understand that from Tiktok’s privacy policy claims, the data is only used to improve the user experience and is not shared with any third party. If you’re concerned, we suggest following the steps here and disable the in-app browser monitoring in your TikTok settings.
And, of course, one can never be too safe when using digital products, and knowing that privacy is the name of the game nowadays, using secure products might just be the solution you need! Life without Tiktok? Only you can decide!
Fleksy is a private white-label keyboard SDK that allows any iOS or Android developer to create a more secure keyboard for smartphone users. With the Fleksy keyboard SDK, you could create a detection layer that alerts a user when typing into a suspicious text field.
We’d love to see you build such capability for the world with Fleksy, the best keyboard technology out there. Get in touch with us today!
